Message from the CEO

SMAM is one of Japan's leading fund management companies with assets under management of more than US$100 billion, over 480 employees and more than 160 investment professionals. Three things set us apart:

First, we are a pure, research-driven fund management company run by highly experienced investment professionals. Based on first-class research, we meet diversifying client needs by providing a broad range of products-including Japanese and global bonds and equities, Chinese and other Asian equities, alternative products and REITs-each with a clearly defined investment style and process.

Second is our strength in Japan. Our size allows us to offer the whole spectrum of investment products and styles, and we have one of Japan's leading research teams. To really understand Japan's industries our experienced investment professionals make thousands of company visits every year, not just to the famous names but to the Mid-Small Cap equities that supply them, which gives us a big advantage.

Third is our focus on Asia and China, where we are one of the largest and most experienced Japanese managers. We have longstanding operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and including our teams in Tokyo, we have over 30 investment professionals dedicated to the region. We now have an established track record as a leading fund manager investing in Chinese equities.

But above all, we understand that the client comes first. We communicate closely with all our clients, both Japanese and non-Japanese, to ensure that their needs are met as we seek to contribute to the medium to long-term growth of their assets.